"Joe" wrote in message
...
On Dec 20, 9:57 am, Aaron Fude wrote:
Hi,

This is related to the earlier post where I was asking about replacing
valves on my water supply line. Here's a picture of what that area
looks like:

http://freeboundaries.com/thing.jpg

I know what the #4 copper wire is for, but what the heck is that ugly
devide in middle for and can I cut it out?

Many thanks in advance,

Aaron

There might be a major problem in that installation. The 'device' is a
water meter. Leave it alone. The #4 or whatever, solid copper wire
probably goes to an external ground rod, or should. However, meter
installations are almost always required to have a braided #4 copper
bypass around the water meter to keep the house plumbing grounded if
the meter is removed for service. I don't see anything like that in
your photo. Given your situation, I would buy the clamps and wire and
install it before any electrical inspection might occur. This is code
required almost universally.

Joe

The meter bonding jumper does not go to an outdoor ground rod, and
shouldn't. The metal underground water pipe is part of the grounding
electrode system of the service. Ground rods are an additional part of the
same system and are run independent of the water pipe. The bonding jumper,
which can be #8 copper or larger depending upon the service size, is
protecting anyone that may remove the meter. What is seen in his picture
looks fine and NEC legal